Alexander of Lycopolis

Alexander of Lycopolis (unknown - 448)

The writer of a short treatise, in twenty-six chapters, against the Manichæans (P.G., XVIII, 409-448). He must have flourished early in the fourth century, as he says in the second chapter of this work that he derived his knowledge of Manes' teaching apo ton gnorimon (from the man's friend).

Despite its brevity and occasional obscurity, the work is valuable as a specimen of Greek analytical genius in the service of Christian theology, "a calm but vigorous protest of the trained scientific intellect against the vague dogmatism of the Oriental theosophies". It has been questioned whether Alexander was a Christian when he wrote this work, or ever became one afterwards. Photius says (Contra Manichæos, i, 11) that he was Bishop of Lycopolis (in the Egyptian Thebaid), but Bardenhewer opines (Patrologie, 234) that he was a pagan and a platonist.

Alexander of Lycopolis

CHAP. XXII.--THE LIGHT OF THE MOON FROM THE SUN

CHAP. XXII.--THE LIGHT OF THE MOON FROM THE SUN; THE INCONVENIENCE OF THE OPINION THAT SOULS ARE RECEIVED IN IT; THE TWO DELUGES OF THE GREEKS. Now, they say that the sun and the moon having by degrees separated the divine virtue from matter, transmit it to God. But if they had only to a slight degr... Read More

Alexander of Lycopolis

CHAP. XXIII.--THE IMAGE OF MATTER IN THE SUN

CHAP. XXIII.--THE IMAGE OF MATTER IN THE SUN, AFTER WHICH MAN IS FORMED; TRIFLING FANCIES; IT IS A MERE FANCY, TOO, THAT MAN. IS FORMED FROM MATTER; MAN IS EITHER A. COMPOSITE BEING, OR A SOUL, OR MIND AND UNDERSTANDING. Neither is this to be regarded with slight attention. For if the divine virtue ... Read More

Alexander of Lycopolis

CHAP. XXIV.--CHRIST IS MIND, ACCORDING TO THE

CHAP. XXIV.--CHRIST IS MIND, ACCORDING TO THE MANICHAEANS; WHAT IS HE IN THE VIEW OF THE CHURCH? INCONGRUITY IN THEIR IDEA OF CHRIST; THAT HE SUFFERED ONLY IN APPEARANCE, A DREAM OF THE MANICHAEANS; NOTHING IS ATTRIBUTED TO THE WORD BY WAY OF FICTION. Christ, too, they do not acknowledge; yet they s... Read More

Alexander of Lycopolis

CHAP. XXV.--THE MANICHAEAN ABSTINENCE FROM LIVING

CHAP. XXV.--THE MANICHAEAN ABSTINENCE FROM LIVING THINGS RIDICULOUS; THEIR MADNESS IN ABHORRING MARRIAGE; THE MYTHOLOGY OF THE GIANTS; TOO,ALLEGORICAL AN EXPOSITION. They abstain also from living things. If, indeed, the reason of their abstinence were other than it is, it ought not to be too curious... Read More

Alexander of Lycopolis

CHAP. XXVI.--THE MUCH-TALKED-OF FIRE OF THE

CHAP. XXVI.--THE MUCH-TALKED-OF FIRE OF THE MANICHAEANS; THAT FIRE MATTER ITSELF. That fire, endowed indeed with the power of burning, yet possessing no light, which is outside the world, in what region has it place? For if it is in the world, why does the world hitherto continue safe? For if at som... Read More

Sermons & Devotionals by Alexander of Lycopolis

Alexander of Lycopolis

Alexander of Lycopolis (unknown - 448)

CHAP. XXII.--THE LIGHT OF THE MOON FROM THE SUN

CHAP. XXIII.--THE IMAGE OF MATTER IN THE SUN

CHAP. XXIV.--CHRIST IS MIND, ACCORDING TO THE

CHAP. XXV.--THE MANICHAEAN ABSTINENCE FROM LIVING

CHAP. XXVI.--THE MUCH-TALKED-OF FIRE OF THE

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